News Release

Wednesday, December 20, 2000

Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested

Koreatown - On Wednesday, December 20, 2000, at 1:00 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department's Wilshire Division Commanding Officer, Captain Kirk Albanese, will be conducting a press conference to announce the arrest of a sexual assault suspect. The press conference will be held at West Bureau in the Community Room, 4861 West Venice Boulevard.

On Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at approximately 11:00 a.m., an 18-year old female Korean was sexually assaulted in the 800 block of Plymouth Boulevard. The victim was approached from the rear while attempting to enter her vehicle. The victim was forced into a nearby storage shed where she was sexually assaulted at knifepoint. The suspect was described as a male Black; 25 to 30 years of age, 5' 8", stocky build.

On Tuesday, December 19, 2000, Wilshire Operations Support Division detectives served a search warrant on the suspect's residence and arrested Wilbert Ward McCoy, 25 years old, a resident of Los Angeles. McCoy was booked for sexual assault and is being held without bail.

On December 20, 2000, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged the suspect with one count of kidnap and nine counts of sexual assault.

During the press conference, the suspect's booking photo and the weapon used by the suspect will be displayed. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's bloodhound, which was responsible for leading the officers to the suspect's residence, will also be available for the media.

For further information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.